Hey! So, I had this idea, and then I forgot it, but I'm pretty sure this is it. But, if you like Marauder's Era fics, I might remember it to be something else, so keep an eye out! Now, on to the story!
DISCLAIMER: I think we all know, if I owned HP, it would have ended totally differently.
"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!"
Lily blinked. "Fine," she said coolly. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash my pants if I were you, Snevellus."
Severus was filled with regret at her words. They echoed in his head. Snevellus. He had lost his only friend. A tear leaked from his eye as he watched her storm off. No, he thought. How could I let this happen? He wanted to run after her; apologize for his words. But he couldn't. He knew she would never listen to him, not after what he had done. Instead, he ran in the opposite direction, straight to the castle.
"Yeah! Run back to your slimy snakes in your dungeons, Snevellus!" James called after him. But Severus ignored him. He wouldn't stand any more insults. Not after what they had led him to.
He went to the one place he knew Lily could not avoid. He positioned himself directly outside the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and waited. He sat there for what was probably hours, just waiting to speak to her again. But she never came. It was late, and he had spent almost all afternoon there, and by now it had to be almost night. He began to cry his heart out, and didn't care who saw him. He couldn't forgive himself for what he had done, he wouldn't. Only she could grant him that. But he knew, deep inside, she wouldn't. She would never forgive him. And he couldn't live with that. So he slipped out a scrap of parchment and wrote.
Lily,
I'm sorry. That is my last wish. For you to know that. Even if you cannot tell me, I hope for you to find it in your heart to forgive me. I cannot live without knowing you do. If you wish to say it, I shall await you at the Astronomy Tower until 10 o'clock tonight. After that, it will be too late. I'm sorry.
-Severus
He stood and walked the few feet to the Fat Lady's portrait.
"Excuse me," he spoke timidly. "Could you make sure Lily Evans gets this?" He held up the paper.
"Yes, dear, just stick it up on the wall over there, I won't forget," she replied.
He did as he was told. "Make sure no one else sees it, please," he added. With her nod, he left for the Astronomy Tower, to await whichever ending came to him.
It was 9:59. Almost time. He stood on the edge and looked down. Long way down, he thought. He was scared. But he knew he wanted to do this. He looked at his watch. 10:00. He was a mere millisecond away from stepping off the tower when heavy footsteps stopped him.
"Severus!" a voice behind him shouted. He didn't bother turning, though. He didn't want to. But whoever it was wouldn't take no for an answer.
"I forgive you," they said.
He instantly spun around. "Lily," he breathed, stepping down.
"I forgive you," she repeated.
He embraced her. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you."
Hey, see that review box? It's there for a reason. I'll leave you to figure that reason out. ;)